What you will do

greet visitors, clients or patients, and notify appropriate staff of their arrival

answer telephone calls and other enquiries

make appointments for clients or patients

administrative tasks such as filing, or organising catering

collect money from clients or patients.

Medical/dental receptionists and admissions officers may also maintain accounts and patient records, and maintain and check hospital waiting lists.

Skills and knowledge

Receptionists need to have:

computer and word-processing skills

clerical skills including telephone skills

knowledge of administration policies, systems and procedures.

Medical receptionists and admissions officers may also need to know about hospital and staff routines, medical services, booking procedures and timetables, and have an understanding of medical terms.

Working conditions

Receptionists

usually work regular office hours but may have to work nights or weekends

usually work at front desks or reception areas of businesses and organisations.

What's the job really like?

Christine Dalley - Admissions Officer

Christine Dalley finds her job as an admissions officer very rewarding. "While you're not actually giving people the surgery you are a big part of it happening for them. People that need surgery really appreciate what you do.

"It can be pretty full on – you're constantly dealing with phone calls, cancellations or people wanting to change things, and there can be a lot of last minute stuff.

When a phone call brings great - or terrible - news

One of the biggest challenges of Christine's job is telling a patient when their surgery has to be cancelled due to staff illness or other unforeseeable circumstances. "That's really hard because I know these people are desperately waiting for their surgery. However, when I get to call someone up and tell them they can have their surgery much before they expected to, I get a real buzz."

Busy days aside, Christine says she loves her job. "I work with a great bunch of medical and administrative staff, as well as dealing with some lovely patients. The people are a real highlight of my job."

Related courses

Find out more about training

Customer service experience is helpful for getting a job as a receptionist

What are the chances of getting a job?

Average

Chances of getting a job as a receptionist are average, due to high competition for the regular vacancies that do arise. Opportunities are better for people with experience.

Vacancies regularly arise because it is a large occupation employing thousands of workers, and people often stay in a role for a short time. However, vacancies often attract high numbers of applicants.

According to Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment estimates, the number of receptionists remained fairly stable between 2010 and 2012 and is expected to remain stable to 2016.

Types of employers

Receptionists work for many types of organisations in the private and public sector, including: